Opinion

Moderates need not apply

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“Conservatives have maintained their leading position among U.S. ideological groups in the first half of 2010. Gallup finds 42% of Americans describing themselves as either very conservative or conservative. This is up slightly from the 40% seen in all of 2009 and contrasts with the 20% calling themselves liberal or very liberal.” – Lydia Saad June 25, 2010 GALLUP

My own non-scientific polling, coming from readers of my columns and blogs, offers support for the Gallup findings. Here are the most universally validating reasons conservatives outnumber liberal 2 to 1.

CONSERVATIVES: America was built upon bedrock principles with a Constitution leaning heavily in favor of the mores and beliefs conservatives find comforting. To the point:

  • Conservatives add and subtract, balance budgets, believe in risk and reward of the free market.
  • They believe in the family unit as the foundation of a healthy society.
  • Faith in a higher power supports basic tenants of obedience to law and charitable giving.
  • A strong defense is a good offense, includes border security. Without it the nation ceases to exist.
  • Less government, financially well-managed and free from debt, means more effective government.
  • Lower, fair, pro business and family tax policies offer the best solution to increased national revenue.
  • Life is sacred and beating hearts start in the womb.  Valuing life is a priority to conservatives.

LIBERALS: The following statements reinforce conservative’s views that the country is better off managed by those who can count and maintain coherent thoughts.

  • “We have to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it.” Speaker Nancy Pelosi on healthcare reform.
  • “I’ve now been in 57 states. I think I have 1 left to go.” Barack Hussein Obama campaigning.
  • “If this were Texas, a state that borders Mexico…but it is Arizona, a state removed from the border.”  WI County Supervisor Peggy West, on boycotting Arizona.
  • “My fear is that the whole island (Guam) will become so overpopulated that it will tip over and capsize.”  Member Armed Services Committee Rep. Hank Johnson to Admiral Robert Willard.
  • “No one will know until this is actually in place how it works.” Senator Chris Dodd on the 2000 page financial overhaul bill of June 25, 2010.

The reader knows I could go on with the hilarious but true constantly coming from liberals own mouths…but on to the next group, and perhaps most politically useless.

MODERATES:  Gallup says 38% make up the remaining polled.  So who are moderates?

  • “Centrists,” they neither are hot nor cold on issues critical in advancing America to what it will become in the 21st century.
  • These are the “sunshine patriots” condemned by Thomas Paine, eager to jump in at the finish line where victory is concerned.
  • Adverse to critics, convictions come hard to moderates.  Political moderates and centrists use polls as their moral compass.
  • A conservative or liberal will “draw a line in the sand” upon belief.  Trying to keep a foot in two worlds, a moderate will wait for the prevailing wind to waft by erasing any line where risk is involved.

Center of the road is a terrible a place to travel, while it takes thought to fight for something you believe in, right or left.  When it comes to advancing a cause, Tea Party supporters will tell you moderates… need not apply.

How to picnic with liberals and moderates: I have some friends and family who fit into these uninspiring political and cultural ideologies, and we still speak at annual picnics. I try to refrain from politics and religion  at these gatherings of potato and jell-o salad, always leaving early after some smiles with an added, “nice to see you.”

Why?

I think you know.

James Michael Pratt is a New York Times bestselling novelist and non-fiction author of nine works, CEO of PowerThink Publishing, public speaker, and Founder of Reagan Revolution 2. Email: james@powerthink.com.